December 27, 2008 (Saturday), 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM- TAFM TCS(Tibetan Culture School) FIRST TRIMESTER-END ASSEMBLY at TAFM Community Center, 1096 Raymond Ave. St. Paul, Mn-55108. All the concerned parents and students will be informed later with a more detailed program by school authorities.
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December 26, 2008, (Friday), 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM- TAFM MEMBERS APPRECIATION DINNER at TAFM Community Center, 1096, Raymond Ave, St. Paul, MN-55108. All Tibetan community members and friends are invited to an evening of wonderful entertainment including cultural songs, dance, games, cards, Sho-para, delicious Tibetan cuisine free of charge. The TAFM Board has requested the dress code be formal.
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December 13, 2008 (Saturday), 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. NOBEL PEACE PRIZE CELEBRATION SHOW at Edison High School Auditorium, NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. To commemorate the December 10th Nobel Peace Prize Day (His Holiness The Dalai Lama), TAFM would like to invite you all to celebrate a Tibetan cultural gala night. This fundraising show (TAFM Cultural Committee) will be performed by TAFM Doeghar and local stars including Phurbu T. Namgyal. The entrance tickets are available at $ 10/- for adults, $ 5/- for Age 10-18 and children Age 9 & below are FREE.
After the above cultural show, TAFM Sports & Youth Development Committee will host A DANCE PARTY on December 13, 2008 (Saturday), 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM at the Gangchen Tibetan Restaurant, 1833 Nicollet Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Entrance @ $ 15. Any questions, please contact Kunchok @ 612-229-9165, Namkha @ 612 751-5611.
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December 10, 2008 (Wednesday), 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM- CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL (International Human Rights Day) at the Peavey Plaza, Downtown, Minneapolis. This is a joint event organized by TAFM/RTYC/TWA/SFT.
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December 6, 2008 (Saturday), 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM- DANCE PARTY at the Gangchen Tibetan Restaurant, 1833 Nicollet Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55403. The Parents Committee of Tibetan Cultural School at TAFM invites all Tibetans for a fun-filled night to celebrate the anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to His Holiness The Dalai Lama, and also to raise funds for the Tibetan Cultural School. For further questions please feel free to call Tashi Bhangra @ 612-889-9330 or Namgyal Rangkor @ 612 782 2165.
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FREE FLU SHOTS: Fairview Health Services in collaboration with TAFM/Social Service Committee will provide free influenza immunization to the Tibetan community in Minnesota on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at TAFM from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. It is to be noted that Children must be accompanied by their parents or guardians.
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LHABAB DÜCHEN: This is to announce to all the Minnesotan Tibetans and TAFM friends that on November 19, 2008 (Wednesday) at 5:00 PM, TAFM is observing Lhabab Düchen (the decent of Buddha from heaven back to earth). Together with traditionally initiated prayer sessions and Tsog offerings, this time we are also initiating a special Tsog offering for the benefit of those Tibetan brothers and sisters who died under the recent Chinese Government brutality and also for the recent earthquake victims in Dhamshung near Lhasa. Tsog offering will be followed by a spiritual understanding discussion/debate. We would like to request all to join and participate in this important event.
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NOBEL PEACE PRIZE DAY CELEBRATION: To commemorate the December 10, Nobel Peace Prize Day throughout the Tibetan community all over the world, TAFM would like to invite you all to a celebration event of Tibetan cultural gala night at the Edison High School, Minneapolis on December 13, 2008 at 6:00 pm, (Saturday). The cultural song and dance program will be performed by TAFM Doeghar group including local signing STARS and talented artistes. More detailed program will be announced shortly. For any further questions please contact: TAFM Office: (651)917-9556 Karma Wangchuk
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NOTICE OF IMPORTANT GENERAL MEETING ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2008:
On September 11, 2008 in a letter issued from the office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness has called on the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan parliament, and the Kashag, to convene an emergency general meeting to discuss the fundamental issues of Tibet, considering the recent crisis inside Tibet and the situation in the world in general.
This special meeting will be held under the article 59 of the Charter of the Tibetans-in- exile. The meeting will be held in Dharamsala in 2008, November 11th to 17th.
In order to discuss on the above topics and gather public opinion, TAFM is convening a general meeting on, October 19th Sunday at 5 pm, TAFM Community Center, 1096 Raymond Ave, St. Paul.
Please spread the word your family and friends and try to attend this important meeting. The original letter in Tibetan is available at TAFM Office. Ngodup Sangmo Secretary/TAFM Board.
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TAFM would like to thank all the Tibetans in Minnesota who supported and complied with the recent announcement from Kashag (Tibetan Government in Exile)regarding update of long due Green Book (Danglang Chatrel) contribution fee waiver/discount scheme for the year 2008. We are glad to announce that due to sincere requests from Tibetan Associations and Communities in Northern America, Department of Finance (Paljor Lekhung), Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala has further extended the Green Book fee waiver/discount up-till December 31st, 2008. Thus, we may request all the Tibetans (those applicable) to update ones Danglang Chatrel or apply for a new one at the TAFM Office. Danglang Chatrel desk at TAFM is open on all Saturdays from 9:00 AM 4:30 PM. For those who are applying for a new one, please come with three latest passport or stamp size photo or you can also get your photo taken at TAFM with a minimal charge of $ 5.00. Applications (in Tibetan and in English) are readily available at TAFM Office. In this connection, we would like to recommend that if anyone of you (Minnesota/Tibetan) with many years of Green Book (Danglang Chatrel) dues and unpaid contributions, this is a great and a final opportunity to show your support for our (Tibetan) genuine cause. All you have to contribute is year 2008 Green Book fee + $ 11.00 dollar fine for the past years (weather you have 7 years due or 3 years). Thank you, TAFM Office.
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RTYC/SFT/TWA and TAFM would like to REMIND and request all the Tibetans and friends to participate and support the following two important events and the special announcement:
1. Please sign up to join the two days of mass protest events in New York City on August 23rd and 24th, 2008. This protest is backed by International Tibet Support Network in New York.
2. Please join the 12 Hour Fasting and Prayer Service on August 30th, 2008 which will be observed by Tibetans and Tibet supporters all over the world. The 12 Hour Fasting and Prayer Service in Minnesota will be conducted at TAFM 1096 Raymond Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108 from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM on Saturday, August 30th, 2008.
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Tibetan Democracy Day Celebration:
TAFM is pleased to announce that this year we will be celebrating Tibetan Democracy Day (Mangtso Dus-Chen) on September 2nd (Tuesday) 2008 at 5:00 PM, TAFM 1096 Raymond Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108. The detailed program will be announced later with the new exhilarating activities/entertainments.
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Announcement of teaching staff requirement for Tibetan Culture School (Saturday).
WANTED: 1 School Coordinator * College graduate preferred. * Experienced in school management. * Teaching certificate preferred but not necessary * Well versed in both spoken and written Tibetan
7 Teachers. * Well versed in both written and spoken Tibetan. * experienced in teaching but not necessary. * High school graduate or equivalent.
1 Dance & Music Teacher. * Well versed in Tibetan music and dance * Preferred TIPA trained. * Well versed in Tibetan dance choreography.
1. Interested candidates may apply for any of the position. 2. Applications must be addressed to the President. TAFM. 3. Applications can also be emailed to edirector@tafm.org. 4. Applications must be submitted to TAFM office, 1096 Raymond Ave, St.Paul, MN-55108 by August 30th (Saturday) 2008 by 5.00 p.m. TAFM Education Committee/Chair Jigme Taythi.
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota and Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery jointly invite you to participate in an Interfaith Prayer for the People of Tibet and for Religious Freedom Everywhere on Sunday, July 27th 2008 at 2:00pm, St. Joan Arc Church, 4537 3rd Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN- 55419.
The chief speaker at the prayer session will be Ven. Arjia Rinpoche (President and Director of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center and Kumbum Chamtse Ling Monastery in Bloomington, Indiana). This prayer session includes Sacred Chants by Gyuto Tantric Choir, musical performance by Vocalist Robert Robinson, and Peace Prayers by Tibetan Cultural School students. This prayer session will also be presided and blessed by Worldwide Faith Organizations' Head/Directors.
This event is sponsored by: ST. Joan of Arc Catholic Parish, Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet & Consociates, Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery, and the Tibetan Community of Minnesota.
If any questions please contact: TAFM Office (651)917-9556, Executive Director/Karma Wangchuk (612)709-2103 or any of the above sponsors.
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
TAFM cordially invites you all to participate in the celebration of H.H. The Dalai Lama's Birthday on 6th July, 2008 at Columbia Park, Minneapolis.
PROGRAM: M.C./Secretary (Ngodup Sangmo) 9:00 am - Sangsol/Lhasol 10:00 am - Tibetan national anthem, prayers (monks and nuns) and presentation of Khatas to Shugtri (Traditional Solja and Drasil - refreshments will be served)
10:15 am - Introductory note/ President (Thinly Woser) 10:25 am - Special announcements/ Executive Director (Karma Wangchuk) - Recognition of outgoing TAFM Board members and High School Graduate Scholarship Awards (Education Committee Chair/Jigme Taythi)
10:30 am - Cultural dance and music performance (TCS/Doeghar/Public)/Cultural Director (Tenzin Tsering) and Instructor (Tenzin Ngawang)
11:00 am - Vote of thanks/ Vice President (Dawa K. Waleag) 11:05 am - General Announcements: 1. TAFM - Election Commission (4 new TAFM Board members), Spiritual Committee (Tenshug donation), Sports Committee (soccer game), Green Book contribution and ID/Membership drive 2. RTYC - President/Kalsang Phuntsok 3. RTWA - President/ Tsering Dolma 4. Minnesota SFT - President/Ngawang Dolker
12:00 noon - Potluck lunch 1:00 pm - Program resumes with wonderful entertainments including dance/music, games, sports, Gorshey and any other individual or group performances.
NOTE: We appreciate bringing your delicious potluck cuisine in disposable wraps/containers. We thank you for presenting Khatas with traditional Mandal offerings/donation to the Shugtri for earning individual and family merits/good fortune
We also request all to contribute donations to the Wisconsin NATA Tenshug as we have to send the final collected amount to the Tenshug Organizing Committee ASAP
It is important to update your TAFM membership that enables you to enjoy thebenefits of participating in the election of TAFM Board members as per its Rules and Regulations
Kindly take advantage of the special waiver of the Voluntary Chatrel Contribution/Tibetan Green Book, and pay your dues ASAP. This Special Waiver offered by the Kashag/TGIE expires on August 8, 2008
If any questions, please contact TAFM Office (651) 917-9556, Executive Director/Karma Wangchuk (612) 709-2103
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
The Annual General Body meeting of the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM) will be held on Sunday, June 15th 2008 at 5:30 PM, TAFM/Community Center, 1096 Raymond Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108. Agenda: 1. President Thinly Woser-la will present a brief Annual Report of TAFM. 2. An election of 4 Board members will be conducted to replace the members who have completed their terms. 3. Any other matter with permission of the Chairman. Ngodup Sangmo SECRETARY/TAFM BOARD June 2, 2008
Tibetan High School Graduation 2008
DATE: Saturday June 14, 2008 VENUE: Tibetan Community Cultural Center, St. Paul TIME: 6:30 P.M. Potluck dinner will be served after the program. All Tibetan High School Students and parents are requested to attend the occasion to recognize and honor our High School Graduates, the future of Tibet.
Celebration of Saka Dawa festival organized by Gyutoe Wheel of Dharma Monastery
Date: Wednesday June 18, 2008 Venue: Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota, St. Paul. Program: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Debate on Tibetan Buddhism (Organized by TAFM) 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Tsewang (long life puja) on Dolkar Yidshin Khorlo 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Tsog on Lama Chodpa
Birthday Celebration of His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama:
Date: Sunday July 6, 2008 Venue: Columbia Public Park, Minneapolis. Time: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Event: Public Picnic (Birthday of H.H. The Dalai Lama) at Columbia Park, 3300 Central Avenue, NE , Minneapolis, MN 55418. Morning event: ‘Sangsol’, prayers, cultural dances, music and general entertainment. Please bring a lunch (Potluck). Thank you. There will also be a Dhanglang Chatrel desk setup for the general community & Membership contribution.
Green Book, Danglang Chatrel announcement:
As per the recent decree from the Kashag, TGIE, Dharamsala regarding the tax-break for all the Tibetans around the world, we see this as a great opportunity to clear all your past Green Book dues (either it is for 7 years or five years). With only $ 11.00 (eleven) as a fine plus paying your 2008 contribution, one can update your Green Book or for those who don’t hold one currently can apply for a new one. This tax-break will end at the specified deadline date on August 8th 2008. Thus we request all Minnesotan Tibetans (those applicable) to update or apply for a new Green Book before the deadline.
What You Need To Know About Saturday May 31, Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay Programs
1. State Capitol Program starts at 10:00AM sharp. Please arrive early. 2. March begins at 11:00AM 3. Route leaders and torch bearers will lead the procession 4. March ends at Tibetan Community Cultural Center (TCCC) around 2:00PM 5. TCCC Program starts at 3:00PM - Keynote Speaker - Rep Keith Ellison 6. Program ends at 5:00PM with Sangsol (Fire Puja) 7. For detail program description, please visit www. rtycminnesota.org or www.tafm.org
Transportation
1. Organizers have booked 2 school buses. Bus pickup starts at 8:30AM in the cultural center parking lot. Each bus will make 2 roundtrips with the last pickup at 9:30AM. If you want to ride the bus, please come at least by 8:30AM. Others driving their own cars may head straight to the capitol. Please do not park cars in the (TCCC) parking lot. Designated parking areas are available with guided personnel. Please do not park anywhere not suggested by the staff. Please do not hang around in groups in these parking lots. 2. If you are driving and you have seats available please consider giving rides to others.
March - Route/Safety
1. March distance is about 7.5 miles and we expect to take around 2.5hours. 2. March begins at the State Capitol at 11:00AM. Following through St. Paul downtown, we head straight down the University Ave. W until Raymond Ave. Turning Right will lead straight to the Tibetan Community Cultural Center. 2. Please wear appropriate attire. Traditional dress code is highly encouraged. We encourage everyone to buy and wear event specific T-shirt made available at the bus entrance. T-shirt and a flag is on sale for $10 only. 3. Please wear appropriate shoes - tennis shoes for walking are recommended to reduce the risk of injury. 4. Please exercise best judgments and follow traffic rules properly. Please be considerate and careful of small kids and seniors. It may be good to keep infants away or have some one to wait at TCCC instead. Anyone unable to walk lengths may join the morning anf afternoon programs at the State Capitol and TCCC. 5. Given distance of walk we advise elders, disabled and small kids to not to take part in march or to limited partake in march only.
Security
As encountered during Human Rights Torch Relay on April 16, there may be counter-protest from the pro-China group. If such an incident occurs please refrain from confrontation. Event leaders are advised to keep check on everyone.
Refreshments
1. There will a team of volunteers providing bottle water along the route. You may want to bring along snacks to keep up yourself. Lunch (sandwich) will be served upon arrival at the TCCC.
Contact:1. Kalsang Phuntsok - Event Coordinator - 612-281-7619 rtycminnesota@yahoo.com 2. Tsewang Chokden - Event Coordinator - 952-356-7359 2. Karma Wangchuk - TAFM - 651-917-9556 3. Tsering Dolma - RTWA - 763-502-7904 4. Thinly Woser - TAFM - 612-716-8608 5. Ngawang Dolker - SFT - 763-639-4616
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
Special Announcement of the Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay
We are pleased to announce that the ceremony of the Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay is scheduled for May 31st 2008. This important event is jointly organized by the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Regional Tibetan Women’s’ Association, and Students for a Free Tibet. All the concerned officials of these organizations unanimously decided on the program detailed below:
Event: Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay Date: May 31st 2008 Time & Venue: 9:30 am-12:00 pm at the St. Paul State Capital and 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm at TAFM, 1096 Raymond Ave, St. Paul.
STATE CAPITAL PROGRAM/MORNING:
9:30 am-Assembly, 10:00-Welcome Announcement/Event Objectives, 10:05-Tibetan/American National Anthem, 10:15-Moment of Silence, 10:16-Dentsig Monlam/Prayer of Truth, 10:20-Sponsors read Resolution declaring Freedom Torch Relay day, 10:30-Guest Speaker/Mayor of St. Paul, 10:40-Torch Lighting Ceremony (Gyalshay and Gen Gendun/light torch), 10:42-Pledge Remark/RTYC President Kalsang Phuntsok, 10:50 am- Hand off the Torch to Gen Gendun- first torch bearer and march begins. Program MC: SFT/Ngawang Dolker.
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
TAFM is pleased to announce that Mayo Clinic, Rochester has very kindly arranged Live viewing of H. H. The Dalai Lama's conference (INVESTIGATING THE MIND BODY CONNECTION, The science and clinical applications of meditation) for Tibetan community members as follows:
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2008. Time: 1:30pm-4:00pm Live viewing available. Place: Ballroom of Marriott, 101 First Avenue SW, Rochester, MN-55902
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
The Tibet Fund, New York has organized a speaking tour of Mrs. Namgyal Lhamo Taklha who is scheduled to visit Tibetan community settlements/Associations including Minnesota. TAFM cordially invites you and friends to participate and support this event as follows:
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2008 .. Slide Show Talk "Tibetans in Exile" Time: 6:00pm Venue: TAFM, 1096 Raymond Ave, St. Paul, MN-55108
Any questions please contact:TAFM Office (651)917-9556 Karma Wangchuk (612)709-2103 Executive Director
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
Tibetan community upcoming events:
Every Friday Candle Light Vigil at 5pm-8pm, Federal Courthouse, 300 South & 4th Street, Minneapolis.
April 9,10,11,12 which is Wed,Thurs,Fri,and Sat. CONVENTION CENTER - Need volunteers to stand in booth. More than 4000 youths will attend the convention with Bishop Tutu and Dadak la has managed to get a booth so we can use it to pass out informations about Tibet. April 9,10,11 will be at Convention Center and 12 Sat. will be at Metropolitan state University 700 E 7th St St Paul, MN Here are the time interval that we need people at the booth. April9 Wed: 9am-3:30pm & 5pm-7pm April10 Thurs: 8am-9am & 10:30am-5pm April11 Fri: 8am-9am &10:30am-6:30pm April12 Sat: 8am-3pm *If you think you can volunteer during these times, please contact Kunsal at 763-784-6265. This is mainly a youth development activity and coordinators are SFT/RTYC.
April 10th: At the State Capitol 2-6pm Rally in honor of brave men and women of Tibet and to highlight events since March 10. Rally will be ended with Candle Light Vigil. Please come in time and wear chupa, traditional dress if possible. PLEASE CONTACT TAFM/RTWA/SFT/RTYC for more information.
APRIL 16th: THURSDAY 9:00AM- 2:00PM - HUMAN RIGHTS TORCH RELAY – State Capitol to UofM Coffman Bldg. We would like as many people as possible for the event. Please come if you are available. There will be lots of people from different background including Chinese. So this event is a good opportunity to tell our stories.
APRIL 19th: SATURDAY - RTYC is exclusively holding a TIBET INDEPENDENCE TORCH as mandated by Centrex TYC. RTYC members and supporters of Tibet's Independence are encouraged to participate. Details of the event will be available soon. PLEASE CONTACT RTYC for more information.
APRIL 25th: FRIDAY - Panchen Lama's Birthday - There is already a candle light vigil scheduled as part of 'Friday is Tibet Actions Day' program. We will also highlight the issue of Panchen Lama as he and his family's whereabouts are still unkown. Please bring posters of Panchen Lama and related material if you have in possession. PLEASE CONTACT TAFM/RTWA/SFT/RTYC for more info.
MAY 31, SATURDAY - FREEDOM TORCH RELAY - 9:00AM-5:00PM - State Capitol to Minneapolis - Details are being worked out. Its important that turnout is good. PLEASE CONTACT TAFM/RTWA/SFT/RTYC for more information.
Any question please contact: Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (651)917-9556 - edirector@tafm.org Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (612)281-7619/(952)356-7359 rtycminnesota@yahoo.com Regional Tibetan Women's Association - (612)667-6590 - Students for Free Tibet - (763)639-4616 - dolke001@gmail.com
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
It is indeed very encouraging to witness the strong solidarity and active participation of Tibetans including supporters to the recent Tibetan people’s protests all over the world against Communist China’s occupation of Tibet. Moreover, the recent flame of Olympic Games enlightened the International concern and support to the genuine causes of Tibetan people.
The Tibetan community of Minnesota and their supporters voluntarily joined in these recent developments of Tibetan National issues. We (TAFM, RTYC, RTWA, SFT and local supporters including SEIU) have organized and implemented important activities as briefly mentioned below:
1. The Minnesota State’s City of Saint Paul, Minneapolis and Columbia Heights declared the March 10th 2008 (Tibetan Peoples’ Uprising Day) as TIBET DAY in the Cities and adopted official PROCLAMATIONS duly signed and sealed by the respective Mayors of the concerned cities.
2. Minnesota Tibetan organizations jointly appealed to the United States Government officials (President, House Speaker, Representatives etc) and States authorities, United Nations and International Human Rights activists.
3. A large number of Minnesotan Tibetans joined the protest at Chinese Consulate General Office, Chicago. There are good media coverage for the Couple of candle light vigil and public protests held at Down Town, Minneapolis including frequent poster campaign at State Capital steps and traffic flyover bridges. Moreover, twice weeklong daily prayers are performed at the Tibetan Community Center (Shrine Room) and raised funds for supporting these important events.
4. We would like to thank you all for your continuous participation and sincere supports, especially during the Candle Light Vigil on March 31st, 2008 at 5pm-8pm, Federal Courthouse, 300 south & 4th Street, Minneapolis. The local Star Tribune news paper has very correctly recognized the Tibetans (including young students and children) commitment to this protest who braved one of the most severe snow storms on this day. Please note that this candle light vigil will continue every Friday at the same time and location as above until further notice.
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
Invitation:
TAFM and SFT cordially invite you and friends to a public Talk at 5:30 pm,TAFM on Sunday, April 6th 2008, followed by a Discussion with Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Research Fellow at Harvard's East Asian Legal Studies Program.
Topics: Tibetan human rights under the Chinese occupation, the Beijing Olympics, Track II Diplomacy on Tibet, democracy and religion in the Tibetan Government in Exile, and the Tibetan Diaspora. Any questions please contact: Ngawang Dolker, President, SFT (763) 639-4616 or Karma Wangchuk, Executive Director/TAFM (651)917-9556
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
Dear Friends, (Minnesota Tibetans)
Due to the recent repressions and killings of Tibetans in Tibet by the Chinese Government, We (TAFM, RTYC, TWA and SFT) are initiating an appeal for support from the United States Government, Local States, the United Nations and Human Rights Organizations.
Moreover, it was decided today by the above (TAFM, RTYC, TWA and SFT) to join the Tibetans' peaceful protest in Chicago in front of the Chinese Consulate General on Tuesday 18th March, 2008. This event is being voluntarily participated by the Tibetan communities from Minnesota,Wisconsin and IL/Chicago.
In this connection, RTYC has booked the necessary transportation services (buses) from Minnesota and is currently collecting the names of the volunteers. Therefore, you are requested to contact the following RTYC executives:
Kalsang Phuntsok, President (612) 281-7619 Chime Dolkar, Vice-President (612) 812-1232 Tsewang Chokden, General Secretary (952) 356-7359 Sangay Taythi, Public Relation Officer (612)865-9921 Tsering Yangkyi, Public Relation Officer (612)716-8607 Tsering Topden, Public Relation Officer (612) 229-2096. Karma Khampa, Public Relation Officer (612) 670-7530
You can also contact Karma Wangchuk, Executive Director/TAFM Office at (612) 709-2103 for more information.
Please note that your sign-up for the above event is needed ASAP, latest by Monday as the Busses would be leaving around Monday evening.
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
We are glad to inform you that the Saint Paul Mayor Christopher B. Coleman proclaimed Monday, March 10, 2008 to be Tibet Day in the City of Saint Paul. Tyrone Terrill, Director of Saint Paul Human Rights Department, will present the Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Coleman. Kris Fredson, Deputy Chief of Staff, will also attend the event commemorating the Anniversary of March 10th(Tibetan Peoples' Uprising Day) on 3/10/2008 at 10am-3pm, State Capital (South Side/Main), St. Paul, MN.
In addition, the Mayor of Minneapolis, R. T. Rybak and Mayor of Columbia Heights, Gary Peterson also declared the same Proclamation which will be presented at the above 10th March Anniversary event.
We may take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the concerned authorities/public of Minnesota State, Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Regional Tibetan Women's Association Minnesota and supporter Services Employees' International Union (SEIU).
Once again, we request your participation and support to this event of Tibetan national importance.
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
This is to remind the Tibetan community and friends to join TAFM in commemorating the Anniversary of March 10th (Tibetan Peoples’ Uprising Day). This event will be held on March 10th 2008 at 10: 00 am – 3:00 pm, State Capital (South Side/Main), St. Paul. The program starts with Tibetan National Anthem, traditional prayers and patriotic songs by the students and public. The community leaders will read the Statements of His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Tibetan Governmental Offices including public peace march.
We (RTYC, TWA, TAFM and supporters-SEIU) are in the process of approaching the Minnesota State authorities to declare 10th March as Tibet Day. A more detailed program will be announced later.
Any question please contact: Kalsang Phuntsok, President/RTYC (612) 285-7619 Tsering Dolma, President/TWA (763) 502-7904 Thinly Woser, President/TAFM (612) 781-2267 Karma Wangchuk, Executive Director/TAFM (651) 917-9556
Note: Please bring your Dhanglang Chatrel (Green Book) and update its contribution with TAFM membership fees. Moreover, we have now received most of the long pending (couple of years) new Green Books from Dharamsala/India through the Office of Tibet, New York. Therefore, you may collect your new Green Books by updating the old books.
In addition, we will start issuing the new TAFM Membership ID Cards with photo. This will facilitate recognition of your kind contribution of membership fees and enable you to enjoy the benefits of many discounts/facilities under its program. We will announce more details on picnic day. In addition, we are glad to inform you that the date for the presentation of the US Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama is confirmed on October 17th 2007. Apart from the Capitol Hill, there will be a daylong celebration by Tibetans with cultural programs etc. The details are being worked out and these will be communicated in due course of time by the Office of Tibet, New York.
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
Fund Raising Event:
TAFM, RTYC & TWA are jointly organizing a fund raising dinner and an entertainment event for the cause of FREEDOM TORCH RELAY & MARCH FOR TIBET
that is scheduled to commence on May 31st, 2008. We would like to request all to participate in this fund raising event. There will be games, gala and performances from local Tibetan professional performers and renowned artists. More details on this event will be announced later.
Date: Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 Venue: TAFM, 1096 Raymond Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108. Reception: 3:00 pm Dinner: 7:00 pm Closing: 11:30 pm Entrance donation: $ 20/- for age 10 and above. Organizer: TAFM, RTYC & TWA.
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
H.H. The Dalai Lama's Birthday Celebration, 2008:
The birthday of H.H. The Dalai Lama will be celebrated with public picnic at Columbia Park, Minneapolis on Sunday, July 6th, 2008. A detailed program will be announced later.
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Dear friends (Minnesota Tibetans),
Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota is pleased to inform you that we have changed the venue of Losar celebration to a better new place and the details are mentioned below. The celebration of Tibetan New Year "Losar" will be organized at Thomas Jefferson High School, Bloomington, MN. We cordially invite Tibetan Community members and friends to join this happy occasion. Please participate in the traditional ceremonial prayers and enjoy the wonderful Tibetan cultural dance, music, performing arts and muti-talent show. There are special arrangements for exciting games such as sho-para, playing cards/bingo and entertainment including Gorshay.
Date and Time:Saturday, February 9th 2008, 2:00 pm Venue: Thomas Jefferson High School 4001 West 102nd Street Bloomington Minnesota 55437 Tel: (952)806-7615 for directions 2:00 pm =====>Reception. 3:00 pm =====>Traditional celebration: =====>National Anthem.=====>Prayers & Mandal (Gyutoe monks). =====>Offering Kataks to Shugtri (Solja & Drasil).=====>3:30 pm .Introduction/President (Thinley Woser).=====> TAFM official announcements/Executive Director (Karma Wangchuk).=====>RTYC & TWA/President.=====> Vote of thanks: Vice President (Dawa K. Waleag).=====> MC/Secretary (Ngodup Sangmo). 4:00 pm =====>Cultural shows / led by Cultural Director (Tenzin Tsering) and instructor (Tenzin Ngawang) 6:00 pm. =====>Dinner
Note: This time TAFM Board requests the families and friends to please bring your own delicious food/drinks and enjoy it in a traditional Tibetan picnic style during the dinner time in the cafeteria/dinner hall. The cafeteria/dinner hall has standard facility of tables and chairs. However we recommend you to bring your own cushions/carpets if you desire to use the open floor. 7:00 pm --------Happy hours/open stage and hall/entertainments/games/======>8:00 pm North side of Cafeteria space opens for Gorshay.=====>10:00 pm Tibetan Cultural School's Raffle Draw. ===>11:00 pm ------Closing
Note: To defray the cost of this event, an entrance donation @ $ 10 age 10- 17, $15/ age 18 and above. (FREE for below 10) Please update your Danglang Chatrel (Green Book) and TAFM membership fee. A desk would be set up for TAFM membership fee and ID issuance. The Losar 'Sangsol' is scheduled on Saturday, February 9th, 2008 at 9:00 am at TAFM, 1096 Raymond Ave, St. Paul, MN-55108. Traditional Tibetan refreshments (Drasil, Solja and Sheltok) will be served by TAFM.
Any questions, please contact Karma Wangchuk, Executive Director, TAFM Office. Tel: (651) 917-9556/ Cell: (612) 709-2103
